Meningococcal group ACBWY (Penmenvy)

Generic name: meningococcal group ACBWY (Penmenvy)
Brand name: Penmenvy (cvx 328)

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Apr 15, 2025. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is meningococcal group ACBWY vaccine?

This medication guide is specific to Penmenvy.

Meningococcal disease is a bacterial infection that can infect the spinal cord and brain, causing meningitis that can be fatal or lead to permanent and disabling medical problems.

Meningococcal disease can spread from one person to another through small droplets of saliva that are expelled into the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. The bacteria is usually passed through close contact with an infected person, especially through kissing, or sharing a drinking glass or eating utensil.

Meningococcal group ABCWY vaccine is used to prevent infection caused by serogroup ABCWY meningococcal bacteria.

This vaccine helps your body develop immunity to meningitis, but will not treat an active infection you already have.

Meningococcal group ABCWY vaccine is for use in children and young adults who are 10 to 25 years old.

This vaccine can be used only when all serogroups (ABCWY) of the meningococcal ABCWY vaccines are indicated at the same visit.

Like any vaccine, the meningococcal group ABCWY vaccine may not provide protection from disease in every person.

Of this vaccine side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives, difficult breathing, swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Keep track of all side effects you have, be sure to tell the vaccination provider if the previous shot caused any side effects.

Becoming infected with meningococcal disease and developing meningitis is much more dangerous to your health than receiving this vaccine. Any vaccine may cause side effects but the risk of serious side effects is low.

You should not receive a second shot if you had a life-threatening allergic reaction after the first shot.

Common side effects of meningococcal group ACBWY may include:

• pain, redness, swelling, or irritation where the medicine was injected;

• feeling tired;

• headache;

• muscle or joint pain; or

• nausea.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report vaccine side effects to the US Department of Health and Human Services at 1-800-822-7967.

Related/similar drugs

Warnings

You should not receive the vaccine a second time if you had a life threatening allergic reaction after the first shot.

Before taking this medicine

You should not receive this vaccine if you've ever had an allergic reaction to meningococcal vaccine or to any other diphtheria toxoid-containing vaccine.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had nervous system problems such as numbness, pain, tingling, weakness, burning or prickly feeling, vision or hearing problems, trouble breathing after receiving a vaccine.

This vaccine may need to be postponed or not given at all if you have:

• received a vaccine for meningitis;

• a severe illness with a fever or any type of infection; or

• a weak immune system caused by disease or by using certain medicine (this vaccine may not be as effective if you are immunosuppressed).

You may still receive a vaccine if you have a minor cold.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

How is this vaccine given?

This vaccine is given as an injection (shot) into a muscle. You will receive this injection in a doctor's office or clinic setting.

Meningococcal group ABCWY vaccine is usually given in a series of 2 shots, the second shot is given 6 months after the first shot.

You will be watched for a short time to make sure you do not feel faint after receiving this vaccine.

Be sure to receive all recommended doses of this vaccine or you may not be fully protected against disease.

There are other types of meningococcal vaccine available. When you receive your second dose, make sure you are receiving a vaccine for meningococcal serogroup A, B, C, W, or Y and not only for serogroup B, unless otherwise directed by your doctor or vaccination provider.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Contact your vaccination provider if you miss the second dose or if you get behind schedule.

What happens if I overdose?

An overdose of this vaccine is unlikely to occur.

What should I avoid before or after receiving this vaccine?

Follow your vaccination provider's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity.

What other drugs will affect this vaccine?

Before receiving this vaccine, tell your doctor about all other vaccines you recently received.

Other drugs may affect meningococcal group ACBWY vaccine, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all other medicines you use.

Further information

• Your vaccination provider, pharmacist, or doctor can provide more information about this vaccine. Additional information is available from your local health department or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

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